Everton academy in flux after exits of Vint & Adams

EVERTON’S academy is taking stock after a tumultuous few days that saw the unexpected departure of two senior staff.

First, Academy director Dr Peter Vint left after 15 months at the club. Then, two days later, it was announced that new Head of Academy Coaching Dave Adams was leaving - after SEVEN days in the job.

Just a week before, Everton had heralded Adams’ appointment in a long statement, saying he had fended off competition from 90 candidates. The 37-year-old had built a stellar reputation at Swansea, where he took the club's academy from category two to one and was even assistant manager for a period.

The reasons for his exit are shrouded in secrecy, with no-one from the club having offered a reason so far.

Vint's exit is slightly less unexpected, with lingering reports that the American had struggled to adapt to English football - and that staff were struggling to adapt to him.

His appointment from the US Olympic Committee - where he was Senior Director of Competitive Analysis - was always regarded as being left field.

All Everton would say was that Vint had left to ‘pursue other opportunities’.

Director of football Steve Walsh now appears to have more power than ever at the club and will be responsible for finding Vint's replacement,

In the mean time, Joel Waldron, the son of the club’s Head of Academy Recruitment Martin Waldron, has been promoted to Head of Academy Operations. A letter was sent to all the parents of academy players stating that he was assuming Vint’s previous responsibilities.